The family tree and history of the Hopson family who came to Claiborne County, Tennessee from North Carolina and their descendants in Lauderdale County, Alabama

The Hopson Family of Claiborne County, Tennessee

Generation No. 1

1. DANIEL HOPSON was born before 1750 in Virginia, and died in North Carolina.

In 1790 in Wake County, North Carolina there were six Hopsons, namely Benj, Daniel, Reuben, Zachariah, Francis and Thomas. Only Daniel had sons under the age of sixteen. Richard Hopson of Orange County, North Carolina, in his will of December 12, 1786, left 240 acres of land on Panter Creek in Wake County to his sons Martin and Daniel.

Grainger County, Tennessee marriage records show that on May 27, 1809 Elizabeth Hopson married William Kirby. She may have been a child of this senior Hopson. Drury Harrell's wife was Mary Hopson and she may have also been a daughter.

Children of DANIEL HOPSON are:

2. i.   HARROD HOPSON, b. 1778, North Carolina; d. Bet. 1860 - 1870, Claiborne County, Tennessee.

__ ii. JESSE HOPSON, d. Aft. 1824.

3. iii. JAMES HOPSON, b. Bet. 1778 - 1790, North Carolina; d. 1824, Claiborne Co TN.

__ iv.  DANIEL HOPSON, d. April 24, 1827, Claiborne Co., TN; m. ANN, before 1819; b. Abt. 1770, Virginia; d. Aft. March 18, 1830, Claiborne Co TN.

Claiborne County Court Minutes: Feb 13, 1819, Daniel Hopson is guardian to Winslow William Bunch and Tomsey Bunch, minor heirs of Martin Bunch, deceased.

Claiborne County Court Minutes: Wed June 23, 1824, page 361. Daniel Hopson appeared before the court to swear to the signature of James Hopson on his will. Daniel stated that he had signed as a witness. Penelope Hopson was executrix.

Claiborne Co deed book G p. 125-6: June 3, 1820. Anna and Daniel Hopson, for love and an additional 10 shillings, deeded their property to 6 of the heirs of Martin Bunch, effective upon the death of Anna and Daniel. These heirs, listed in the deed, are Jenny, James, Winston W, Thomsey, David and Luis Bunch.

In the 1850's, James Bunch bought out some of the other heirs. David W Bunch and Jane Hopson, formerly Jane Bunch, each sold their 1/6th. David Hopson, Williard Hopson and Unicy & Henry Ritter each signed for 1/3 of the share of their mother, Thomsey Bunch Hopson.

Claiborne Co deed book G p. 125-6: June 3, 1820. Anna and Daniel Hopson, for love and an additional 10 shillings, deeded their property to 6 of the heirs of Martin Bunch, effective upon the death of Anna and Daniel. These heirs, listed in the deed, are Jenny, James, Winston W, Thomsey, David and Luis Bunch.

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Generation No. 2

In 1817 in Claiborne County, Harrod purchased land from Wm Blackwood for $80 (Deed Book I page 265). In the 1830 census Sarah is head of household and Harrod is not in evidence. In the 1830's Sarah got a divorce, the family farm was sold at sheriff's sale and deeded over to Sarah by the purchaser.

In 1817 William Hopson sued Harrod in Claiborne County, Tennessee for debts. Harrod bought land in the county in 1817 from William Blackwood.

In 1830 Sarah is head of household in the Claiborne Census, apparently Harrod was out of the house by then. The home includes one male age 10-15, 1 male age 15-20.

In 1832 Sarah Bunch Hopson sought a divorce from Harrod, because he was living with another woman and was running up debts that she feared would endanger the welfare of her twelve children. At that time, in the state of Tennessee, a divorce could be granted only by the state assembly. A woman could not approach that august body herself, but had to find a man to do it for her. Sarah's request for divorce was signed by nine male citizens of Claiborne County, including Anderson Jennings.

On March 19, 1832, John Hunt, sheriff of Claiborne County sold Harrod's farm at auction. Anderson Jennings purchased the property and then directed the sheriff to deed the land over to Sarah Hopson, with the stipulation that it be protected from any claim by Harrod. This deed is recorded in Claiborne County deed book I (letter i) page 435.
Monday, 17 March 1838. Harrod Hopson's name appears in the Claiborne County, Tennessee court minutes in a list of poll tax delinquents for 1837 - he owes 50 cents.

Sarah Hopson is not listed on the 1840 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee.

Census 1840, Claiborne County, Tennessee: By 1840 Harrod is head of a household that appears to include Prudence, her mother and two females age 10-15. One of these may have been Prudence's daughter Ollie Cunningham. In 1850 Harrod is head of a household that includes Prudence and her granddaughter Sarah Hodges. In 1860 the household includes two grandchildren, Wm and Sarah Hodges, Also Susan King age 43 and Alexander King age 13. In 1852 William King married Susan Maples. In 1870 Prudence is living with her granddaughter, Sarah Hodges Hurst.

January 3, 1842: "Whereas Wm Sanders, Richard Hopson, James Hopson, Joel Ritter, Wm Bartlet, David Rosenbalm, James Bartlet, James Bunch, Michael Woolery, John Mathis, Dudley Mathis, John Ritter, Drewery Mathis, Drewery Herral, Ralph Shelton, Josiah Carter, Russel Carter, Jesse Hurst, Herod Hopson, Herod Hopson, Wm Hopson, Henry Nevis, Jesse Sanders, Richard Wells and John Bunch petition the county for a jury of view for the purpose of laying of a road near James Ritters' in Caney Valley leading up said valley to intersect the Kentucky Road near the bend where the same crosses the branch in said valley and make report to the next proper term of this court and if said road is favored by the jury it is to be made entirely by the above named petitioners. Jury to wit: Jesse Evans, Wm Evans, Thompson Hurst, Wm D Dunsmore & Christian B Plank." On Monday 4 July 1842 the road was ordered laid off with James Bartlett as overseer. [note the repeat of the name Herod Hopson is not a typo but rather father & son]

In 1843, Prudence testified for her mother to receive a widow's pension under the federal act of 1838, Prudence Hopson declared that she was 59 years old.

In 1850, when making application to receive the balance due her mother from a widow's pension, Prudence states that Elizabeth had borne an illegitimate son, Edmond Maples, then she married and bore Prudence and William Henderson. However, in 1846, when the date of the Elizabeth Maples-Isaac Henderson marriage had to be attested to, she stated that she was about seven years old and distinctly recalled the wedding (in 1789). The obituary that appeared in the local newspaper at her death in 1888 states that 'Old Aunt Prudy Hopson' had seen the frosts of 102 winters. It is possible that she increased her age at the time of the wedding in order to be able to swear to the date, which was important since in order to qualify for that particular pension, a widow had to have been married before 1794. It is also possible that she made herself out to be a daughter of Isaac Henderson when filing for the balance due on the mother's pension thinking that she had to be his daughter in order to get the money.

After Harrod's death, Prudence lived with Sarah Hodges Hurst and then with William Hodges, both of whom were raised by Harrod and Prudence after the death of their mother Ollie Cunningham Hodges.

Children of HARROD HOPSON and SARAH BUNCH are:

__ i.  JOHN HOPSON, b. Bet. 1790 - 1800; d. Aft. 1830.

4. ii.   JESSE HOPSON, b. Bet. 1800 - 1810, Wake Co NC; d. Bef. 1850, Probably Grainger Co., TN.

5. iii.  RICHARD HOPSON, b. 1803, North Carolina; d. Aft. April 23, 1873, Grainger Co., TN.

__ iv. JAMES HOPSON, b. Abt. 1805; d. Abt. 1817.

__ v.  UNKNOWN HOPSON, b. Abt. 1808.

6. VI.  HARROD HOPSON, b. 1818, East Tenn; d. Aft. 1850.

7. vii.  WILLIAM HOPSON, b. Abt. 1813, Claiborne County, Tennessee; d. Aft. 1882, probably in Lauderdale County, Alabama.

8. viii.  THOMAS HOPSON, b. May 16, 1816, Claiborne Co., TN; d. March 1891, Webster County, Missouri.

__ ix. LEANDER HOPSON, b. Abt. 1823, Tennessee; m. LYDIA TAYLOR; b. Abt. 1830, Tennessee.

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3. JAMES HOPSON (DANIEL¹) was born Bet. 1778 - 1790 in North Carolina, and died 1824 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. He married PENELOPE. She was born 1787 in North Carolina, and died after 1860 in Lauderdale County, Alabama.

Thursday, May 11, 1820. James Hopson was appointed a juror in Claiborne County, Tennessee, Court of Pleas and Quarter Session.

In Claiborne County in 1821 James Hopson paid a 25 cents fine for James and John Bunch, who were charged with assault and battery.

Sept 23, 1810, Penelope Hopson was accepted into the Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church "by experience". On April 2, 1813, Jacob Hill and John Neal were appointed to cite Penny Hopson to attend next meeting. May 2, 1813: reference relative to Sister Penny Hopson deferred to next meeting. June 2, 1813: in consequence of a contradiction arising between Sister Sarah Jennings and Sister Penny Hopson, Brethren appointed to labor with them. Thomas Hurst and John Evans appointed. July 2, 1813: the difficulty between Sister Sarah Jennings and Sister Penny Hopson got through. Jan 2, 1816: Brother and Sister Clark appointed to cite Sister Penny Hopson to attend the next meeting. Feb 2, 1816, Penelope Hopson excommunicated for the sin of dancing and refusing to face the church.

Dec 12, 1828, Hiram Hurst sold to Penelope Hopson land "in the Hopson Valley" for $10.00. (Claiborne deed book P page 208). In 1842 Richard Hopson sold land that was bounded in part by Penelope Hopson's land.

In the census of 1830 the Penelope Hopson household included 3 boys under 5. Since James died in 1824, we do not know who these boys are - perhaps grandchildren. Only Russell, born 1827, was living with her in 1850.

On Aug 29, 1839, Penelope Hopson and William Hopson were called to Grainger County to testify in the trial of James Kirby, for passing counterfeit money. The court record for that date lists their two names, the notation that they came from 'out of county, 26 miles', four days, and their payment of $5.04 each. Grainger Co TN marriage records, May 27, 1809: Elizabeth Hopson to William Kirby. We don't know the relationship if any of this William to James the counterfeiter, nor of William's wife Elizabeth to our Hopson clan.

In 1860 in Lauderdale County, Alabama, Penelope is the head of household next door to Eldridge Hopson. Page 58, Western Division. Somehow the name Hopson became 'Thompson' in that census.

Child of JAMES HOPSON and PENELOPE are:

10. i.  ELDRIDGE HOPSON, b. 1822, East Tenn; d. October 6, 1871, Lyon Co KY.

Child of PENELOPE IS:

__ ii. RUSSELL HOPSON, b. 1827.

Since James Hopson died in 1824, Russell cannot be his son. There were several others in Penelope's household in 1830 who were too young to belong to James - possibly grandchildren. Russell Hopson enlisted 16 Sept 1847 for the Mexican War at Tazewell. He was a Private in Co I, Capt Burch and Evans. 4th Regiment, Col Richard Waterhouse, Tennessee Foot Volunteers. Russel Hopson was recorded as sick in the hospital at Vera Cruz, 2 Dec 1847. He was discharged at Vera Cruz on 2 March 1848. He last appears on the 1850 Poll Tax list in Dist 8, Claiborne County.

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Generation No. 3

4. JESSE HOPSON (HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born Bet. 1800 - 1810 in Wake County, North Carolina, and died before 1850 probably in Grainger County, Tennessee. He married CAROLYN LIVELY. She was born 1805 in Virginia, and died 1869 probably in Grainger County, Tennesse.

Children of JESSE HOPSON and CAROLYN LIVELY are:

__ i.   SARAH ANN HOPSON, b. 1826.

11. ii.  DAVID ROSS HOPSON, b. December 25, 1828, Dutch Valley, East Tennessee; d. May 16, 1900, Dutch, Grainger Co,Tennessee.

__ iii.  WILLIAM HOPSON, b. 1829, East Tennessee; d. Aft. 1890, Grainger County, Tenessee; m. CHLOE ARNWINE, December 26, 1847, Claiborne Co., Tennessee; b. April 14, 1811, East Tennessee; d. October 13, 1890, Grainger Co., TN.

18 Jan 1871, Grainger County TN Deed Book 17 pg 386: 'to Wm Hopson and Cloah Hopson and after her death to his heirs: $700 for 75 acres on waters of Dutch Creek and along the Wagon Road, on Hines Ridge. Bounded by John Malicoat and Richard Hopson.....'

Book 18 pg 190. William and Clary Hopson sell land to Richard Hopson and wife. 6 Jan 1872. Book 21 pg 222, Wm and Chloe Hopson bought land from G W Sulfridge, July 1872.

William Hopson is buried in the Arnwine Cemetery, Grainger Co TN. His tombstone in the Arnwine cemetery says Co H, 1st TN Cav. Chloe Hopson is also buried in this cemetery.

March 11, 1829, in Grainger County, Chloe Arnwine married John Bowers. Chloe or Clary is more than 10 years older than her husband in the various census. In 1850 in Grainger there is a family near them headed by Nancy Bowers age 42.

__ iv.  NANCY ELIZABETH HOPSON, b. 1833; m. WILLIAM HOBBS, May 22, 1858, Grainger County, Tennessee.

12. iv.  RICHARD HENRY HOPSON, b. December 17, 1837, East Tenn; d. April 17, 1921, Grainger Co Tn.

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5. RICHARD HOPSON (HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1803 in North Carolina, and died after April 23, 1873 in Grainger County, Tennessee. He married (1) RHODA YARBROUGH before 1826. She was born 1805 in North Carolina, and died Bet. 1840 - 1845 in Claiborne Co., TN. He married (2) HANNAH DAMEWOOD July 15, 1845 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born March 1, 1799 in Virginia, and died April 23, 1873 in Grainger Co., TN. He married (3) _____ GRAY, David Acuff's wife's sister.

Richard earned his living as a fisherman on the Clinch River, in partnership with his uncle James Bunch. P. G. Fulkerson, author of "Early Settlers of Claiborne County", remembers "Uncle Dick" as quite a character who always wore a red flannel hunting shirt and who, even when a guest, ate dinner with his own knife.

After the death of his first wife Rhoda he married Hannah Damewood Ritter. He was remembered by P.G. Fulkerson as saying that he had nine children, and Hannah had nine, so they decided to "combine their rations". The 1830 and 1840 censuses show a total of 7 children for Hannah and Moses Ritter. There only seven know children Richard and Rhoda. Richard may have been counting grandchildren, including Amanda Ritter who was living with Richard and Hannah in 1850. Or, perhaps somewhere along the way in the telling of the story the number was increased.

from Claiborne County Court Minutes, Monday, Sept 20, 1830: "....to lay off a road from a stillhouse on Ralph Shelton's Rd. down Clinch River to connect a road to Grainger Co. at a ford above the mouth of Puncheon Camp Creek - Richard Hopson, Drury Herrell, Isham Jennings, William Jennings."

In the 1830 Claiborne County, Tennessee census, two doors away from Richard and Rhoda Hopson is Abner Yarbrough and wife age 50-60. This is perhaps a clue to a possible parent for Rhoda. Abner Yarber was counted in 1833 in the Claiborne Tax enumeration. In 1833 Nancy Yarbro was received by experience into the Big Springs Church. There was a female age 15-20 in the Yarbrough household in 1830. There are no Yarbrough's in the 1840 Claiborne census.

In November of 1833, "Ritchard Hopson" joined the Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church. His mother had been a member; his wife Rhoda would join in 1834, and Moses and Hannah Ritter were also members in the 1830's. Later Richard and his uncle James Bunch were very active in the business of the church, but in September of 1865 Richard, his son Young and Julia, Young's wife, and several other family members were excluded from the church for joining with other churches without requesting letters of transfer, and for their "unfellowship" with Southern sympathizers of the church. About this time the family moved to Grainger County. On Nov 25, 1865, Richard sold to his son Thomas B. Hopson 50 acres in Claiborne County for $150.

On May 4, 1834, Rhoda Hopson was received by experience into the Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church, at Springdale in Claiborne County.

In April of 1834, Hannah Ritter was received into Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church by experience. In December of 1853, Hannah Hopson was excluded from the church for "usirping authority over her husband" and for refusing to come and face the church when summoned.

August 10, 1848, Hannah and her second husband Richard Hopson and the other heirs of Moses Ritter sold the land that had belonged to Moses.

The fishing business run by Richard and his uncle James Bunch would have vanished during the Civil War, partly because Richard's sons fought for the Union and James' for the Confederacy. Also, during the war all boats on the Clinch river were ordered destroyed by the Union general in command of the troops in the area.

In 1870 Richard is head of household in Grainger County. Also in the household are his second wife Hannah, and son William Younger and his wife Julia and their children. Julia was the daughter of Hannah and her first husband. In 1872, Richard and Hannah sold the Grainger County farm to his son William Younger Hopson for $300.

Hannah is buried in the Frye Cemetery, Dutch Valley, Grainger County, Tennessee.

Richard's third wife is mentioned in the pension application of Julia Ritter Hopson, widow of Richard's son William Younger Hopson. She is identified only as "David Acuff's wife's sister" and her marriage to Richard, who was Julia's step-father as well as her father in law, is listed as the reason for the "bad blood" between the Acuff and Hopson families, and the reason why David Acuff and Ephraim Gray tried to prevent Julia from receiving a widow's pension for herself and her dependent children. David Acuff's wife was a Gray and Ephraim Gray's wife was an Acuff.   Apparently, there is no marriage recorded for this couple in East Tennessee. They were married probably between April 23, 1873 and January 12, 1878.

Children of RICHARD HOPSON and RHODA YARBROUGH are:

13. i.  JAMES C. HOPSON, b. Abt. 1826, Claiborne Co., TN; d. 1884, Claiborne Co TN.

14. ii.  EMILY HOPSON, b. 1828, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Aft. 1900, Probably Grainger Co., TN.

15. iii.  DANIEL HOPSON, b. 1830, East Tennessee; d. May 1, 1874, Claiborne Co., TN.

16. iv.  WILLIAM YOUNGER HOPSON, b. 1832, Claiborne Co., TN; d. January 12, 1878, Grainger Co., TN.

__ v.  NANCY JANE HOPSON, b. 1834, East Tenn.; m. GEORGE P. ROSENBALM, April 9, 1857, Claiborne Co., TN; b. December 28, 1834, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Abt. 1863, in the Union Army.  George served in the Union Army, 1st Cav, H Co. although two of his brothers fought for the Confederacy.

17. vi.  THOMAS BRINKTON HOPSON, b. 1836, Claiborne Co Tn; d. March 25, 1891, Union Co TN. Fought for the Union during the Civil War.

18. vii.  MARY JANE HOPSON, b. 1838, East Tennessee; d. Aft. 1880; m. MARTIN VAN BUREN BUNCH. Martin fought for the Confederacy

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6.   HARROD HOPSON (HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1818 in East Tenn., and died after 1850. He married ELIZABETH MAHULDA RITTER December 29, 1847 in Claiborne Co., TN, daughter of MOSES RITTER and HANNAH DAMEWOOD. She was born January 4, 1830 in East Tenn., and died February 23, 1913 in Claiborne Co., TN.

Harrod was still in Claiborne County in January of 1842. Along with his father, his brother Richard, Joel Ritter, David Rosenbalm and others, he petitioned the court of Claiborne County to construct a road from Jennings Ferry Road near James Ritter's in Caney Valley, leading up the valley to intersect with the Kentucky Road. In March an overseer was assigned to lay out the road.

In 1850 Harrod and Mahulda were in Lauderdale County, Alabama. By 1860 Mahulda was back in Claiborne, a '"spinster" with an ever-increasing family of children. They are called Hopson, but the father of the younger ones is not known. On the 1850 census Harrod and Mahulda were living next door to William Hopson. Harrod's occupation is listed as hunter.

She is called Mahuldy on the 1850 census, Mahulda in the 1860 and 1870 census and also on her tombstone. The 1880 census lists her as Hulda. She is buried in Evans Cemetery in Claiborne County near Norris Lake. Next to her is Dewie Samuel Hopson "son - at rest" born August 30, 1931, died July 10, 1932.

This couple, along with Harrod's brothers Thomas and William, migrated to Alabama. There is no explanation as to why Mahulda was back in Claiborne county without Harrod.

In 1856 on the second Saturday at a regular meeting, Hulda Hopson was received into the Big Springs Church in Claiborne County by experience. The next day she was baptized, along with William Younger Hopson and Eliza Rice. At their December meeting in 1856 the Church voted to share some of their "temporal things" for the support of Sister Hulda Hopson and her family. In September 1859 Mahulda Hopson was cited for having a bastard child and was excluded from the Church for "the sin of whoredom".

On the 1860 census of Claiborne County Mahulda is listed with three of her children. She is described as a "Spinster." Next door was Elmira Hopson, also a spinster, who had three children.

On the 1880 census, Hulda Hopson is listed as the head of a household that includes Mary Hopson age 19, Cynthia Hopson age 15 and James Lawsen, 'son in law' age 26.

By the time of her death in 1913, the Big Springs Church had readmitted Mahulda and now referred to her as a beloved sister and member in full fellowship.

Children of HARROD HOPSON and ELIZABETH RITTER are:

__ i.  RICHARD HOPSON, b. 1848, East Tenn.

19. ii.  WILLIAM HOPSON, b. 1850, Claiborne Co., TN; d. September 20, 1911, Claiborne Co., TN.

20. iii.  JESSE HOPSON, b. 1855, Claiborne Co., TN; d. after 1900, Claiborne Co., TN.

21. iv.  JOHN HOPSON, b. 1857.

__ v.  SARAH A. HOPSON, b. 1859. She may have been the Sarah A. Hopson who married W. A. Hurst in Claiborne County in 1877.

22. vi. MARY E. HOPSON, b. February 1862, Claiborne Co TN; d. Aft. 1900.

__ vii. CYNTHIA HOPSON, b. 1864. Cynthia was born after her mother's return to Claiborne County from Alabama.

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7. WILLIAM HOPSON (HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born about 1813 in Claiborne County, Tennessee, and died after 1882 probably in Lauderdale County, Alabama. He married (1) JANE SHELTON. She was born 1817 in Tennessee, and died before 1880 probably in Lauderdale County, Alabama. He married (2) MARY. She was born about 1830 in Tennessee.

"Shelton" may not be Jane's maiden name.

On August 29, 1839, Penelope Hopson and William Hopson were called to Grainger County, Tennessee to testify in the trial of James Kirby, for passing counterfeit money. The court record for that date lists their two names with the notation that they came from "out of county, 26 miles," four days, and their payment of $5.04 each.

The 1840 census of Lauderdale County, Alabama lists W. Hopson age 20-30, wife 20-30. One male under 5, one female under 5, one male free colored.

The 1850 census for Lauderdale AL shows daughter Mary age 13 born Tennessee, son Carter age 10 born Alabama. Barbara Brummett says that William was still alive in 1882; his exact death date unknown. His son Thomas was a Confederate soldier, killed during the War. William's occupation is listed on the 1850 census as "boatman."

Alabama land records show William Hopson purchased by a cash entry sale, 40 acres of land on January 4, 1852, document number 15277, serial number AL3680__.122, Meridian or Watershed Huntsville parcel Township 1S, Range 15W, Section 33. On January 12, 1859 a cash entry sale to William Hopson is recorded for 40 acres, document number 29040, serial number AL3890_064, Township 1S, Range 15W, Section 33.

When the 1860 census was taken on June 4, four Hopson brothers, Harrod, James, Thomas, William, and a cousin Eldridge were in the Western Division of Lauderdale County, Alabama, with Westmorelandville listed as the post office.

The 1870 census shows two young women in William & Jane's household. Martha age 20 and Isabel age 33.

On the 1880 census William gives his parents' place of birth as North Carolina.

Children of WILLIAM HOPSON and JANE SHELTON are:

__ I.  JASPER HOPSON, b. about. 1833, Tennessee.

__ II.   CARTER HOPSON, b. about 1840, Alabama; m. ISABELLA CULVER, January 18, 1880, Lauderdale County, Alabama.

__ III.  THOMAS HOPSON, b. Abt. 1842, Alabama; d. during the Civil War between 1861 - 1865.

__ iv.  FRANKLIN HOPSON, b. May 7, 1845, Lauderdale County, Alabama.

__ v.  SARAH ISABELLE HOPSON, b. October 10, 1850, Alabama.

__ vi.  MARTHA JANE HOPSON, b. January 28, 1852, Alabama.

24. vii.  MARY ANN HOPSON, b. 1835, East Tenn; d. before 1873.

__ viii.  JOHN HOPSON, b. May 7, 1845, Lauderdale County, Alabam; d. January 31, 1927; m. PERMELIA JANE FREER, September 16, 1867.

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8. THOMAS HOPSON (HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born May 15, 1816 in Claiborne County, Tennessee, and died March 1891 in Webster County, Missouri. m. (1) ELIZABETH TILLER, September 7, 1838, Lauderdale County, Alabama; m. (2) CATHERINE JANE OWEN, May 11, 1843, Lauderdale Co., AL; b. April 11, 1824, East Tenn; d. Bet. 1880 - 1891, Webster County, Missouri.

Thomas and his family were in Lauderdale County, Alabama by 1840 and 1850. When the 1880 census was taken they were in Hazelwood, Webster County, Missouri.

Children of THOMAS HOPSON and CATHERINE OWEN are:

__ i.  RICHARD HOPSON, b. about 1843, Alabama.

__ ii.  ELIZABETH HOPSON, b. Abt. 1845, Alabama.

__ iii.  THOMAS HOPSON, b. about 1847, Alabama.

__ iv.  FRANCES HOPSON, b. Abt. 1849, Alabama.

__ v.  PHOEBE CATHERINE HOPSON, b. 1852, Lauderdale Couny, Alabama; m. THOMAS JEFFERSON WELLS

__ vi.  MELISSA HOPSON, b. 1853

__ vii.  WILLARD ARNOLD HOPSON, b. 22 March 1856, Lauderdale County, Alabama; d. 8 November 1946, Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas.

__ viii.  MARY HOPSON, b. 1859.

__ ix.  JOB HOPSON, b. 1862.

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10. ELDRIDGE HOPSON (JAMES², DANIEL¹) was born 1822 in East Tenn. and died October 6, 1871 in Lyon County, Kentucky. He married LEVINA KERBY April 6, 1843 in Grainger Co., TN. She was born 1820 in East Tenn., and died after 1874 in Lyon County, Kentucky.

Eldridge is on the Claiborne County Poll Tax lists for 1850, 1851 and 1852. He does not appear on Tennessee tax lists after 1852.

In 1858 Eldridge Hopson bought 40 acres of land in Lauderdale County for 12 cents per acre. On January 12, 1859 Alabama land records show a cash entry sale to Eldridge Hopson for 40 acres in Township 2S, Range 15W, Section 4.

In 1860 Eldridge was on the Lauderdale County, Alabama census page 158, Western Division. He is listed on the census as Eldridge "Thompson." The first 2 children were born Tennessee, the last four beginning with 1852 were born in Alabama.

In 1864, 1865 and 1866 he is on the tax list for Lyon County, Kentucky. In 1872 the tax list for Lyon County lists Mrs Levina Hopson.

Children of ELDRIDGE HOPSON and LEVINA KERBY are:

__ i.  MAHULDA HOPSON, b. 1844.

__ ii.  PERRY HOPSON, b. 1847.

__ iii.  CORNELIA HOPSON, b. 1848.

__ iv.  WILLIAM HOPSON, b. 1850.

__ v.  TILMAN HOPSON.   Tilman was a younger son of Eldridge and Luvina Kirby Hopson. He lived up until the 1930s. He moved to Gallatin County, Illinois and died there. His descendant, Andy Hopson, had Eldridge's family Bible which has birth and death information.

 

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Generation No. 4

11. DAVID ROSS HOPSON (JESSE³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born December 25, 1828 in Dutch Valley, East Tennessee, and died May 16, 1900 in Dutch, Grainger County, Tennessee. He married ELIZA JANE ROSENBALM June 1, 1851 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born December 17, 1833 in Lone Mountain, Tennessee, and died November 30, 1899 in Dutch, Grainger County, Tennessee.

David and Eliza are buried in the Hopson Cemetery at Washburn in Grainger County. David R. Hopson is listed in the Grainger County US Veteran's Census, 1890, ED81, page 3. No company or regiment is listed.

In 1880 his household includes grandchildren Caroline Hopson age 5 and Forrest Hopson age 3. In 1870, the last child in the household is Mary, age 9. She is out of the age order of the other children. There is no Mary, or any female of the right age in the home in 1880.

In February 1885, Eliza Hopson testified that she was present at the birth of Matilda Hopson, daughter of Julia and Wm. Younger Hopson, and that she was at the house on the day after each of the others was born.

Children of DAVID HOPSON and ELIZA ROSENBALM are:

__ i.  MATILDA MARY HOPSON, b. April 22, 1850, Dutch Valley, Grainger Co., TN..; d. Aft. 1880.

__ ii.  NANCY J. HOPSON, b. September 20, 1853, Grainger County; d. Aft. 1880; m. GEORGE BARTON SEYMOUR, JR., Aft. 1880; b. September 11, 1838; d. October 1, 1910, East Tenn. Nancy was the 3rd wife of George. First two were Katie Frye and Louisa Taylor. George was a Confederate soldier.

__ iii.  JESSE HAMILTON HOPSON, b. September 18, 1855, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN; d. 1914, Grainger Co., TN; m. (1) JULIA RITTER, April 30, 1874, Claiborne Co., TN; b. May 3, 1855, Claiborne Co., TN; d. 1877, Grainger Co., TN; m. (2) MARGARET LUHANA RUCKER, Aft. 1880, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN.  In 1880, Jesse's two motherless children are living with his parents. He is a farm laborer in the home of Willis and Polly Aiken, five houses away from his parents.  J. H. Hopson is listed as a voter in Grainger Co in 1891.

__ iv.  SARAH ELIZABETH HOPSON, b. March 14, 1858, Dutch Valley, Grainger Co., TN; d. September 22, 1933, Dutch Valley, Grainger Co., TN; m. HENRY CLINTON RITTER; b. July 3, 1860, Claiborne Co., TN; d. July 21, 1933, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN.  Sarah and her husband are buried in the Hopson Cemetery on Dutch Valley Rd, Grainger Co., TN

__ v.  AMERICA MELVINA HOPSON, b. February 18, 1860, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN.

__ vi.  WILLIAM HARRELL HOPSON, b. February 22, 1862, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN; d. June 10, 1921, Grainger Co., TN; m. MARY ISABELL RUCKER, 1883, Washburn, Grainger Co TN.

__ vii.  DAVID HOPSON, b. 1863; May have died young.

__ viii.  ALICE HOPSON, b. about 1864, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN.

__ ix.  EUNICE HOPSON, b. 1867.

__ x.  EMILY HOPSON, b. 1870. In the 1880 census, Emily is 11. She is not listed on the 1870 census.

__ xi.  GEORGE CALEB HOPSON, b. July 11, 1871, Washburn, Grainger Co., TN.

__ xii.  JOHN PERRY HOPSON, b. March 13, 1874, Dutch Valley, Grainger Co..

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12. RICHARD HENRY HOPSON (JESSE³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born December 17, 1837 in East Tenn., and died April 17, 1921 in Grainger Co., TN. He married SARAH CAROLINE HOBBS July 31, 1854 in Grainger Co., TN. She was born July 17, 1827 in East Tenn., and died November 4, 1903 in Grainger Co., TN.

In 1870 in Grainger County, he and his family were living in district 12, household 66, near David Acuff.

Richard Hopson is listed as a voter in Grainger County in 1891.

Richard and Sarah are buried in the Hopson Cemetery on Dutch Valley Road, Grainger County, TN.

Children of RICHARD HOPSON and SARAH HOBBS are:

__ i.  CALEDONIA V. HOPSON, b. May 5, 1855, Grainger Co., TN; d. September 19, 1925, Grainger Co., TN; m. FRANK P. GORMAN; b. 1856; d. February 7, 1923, Grainger Co., TN.  Caledonia and Frank are buried in the Hopson Cemetery on Dutch Valley Rd, Grainger Co., TN.

__ ii.  WILLIAM TENNESSEE HOPSON, b. May 8, 1857, Grainger Co., TN; d. July 8, 1919, Grainger Co TN.  William is buried in the Hopson Cemetery on Dutch Valley Rd, Grainger Co., TN.

__ iii.  ISAAC W. HOPSON, b. 1859, Grainger Co., TN; d. Bef. 1870, Grainger Co TN.

__ iv.  SARAH HOPSON, b. 1860, Grainger Co., TN.   Sarah is not with her parents in the 1880 census.

__ v.  ABRAHAM L. HOPSON, b. 1861, Grainger Co., TN; d. 1924, Grainger Co., TN; m. SUSAN ADELINE; b. 1844; d. 1924, Grainger Co., TN.

__ vi.  CAROLINE E. HOPSON, b. June 22, 1864, Grainger Co., TN; d. August 13, 1926, Grainger Co., TN; m. WILLIAM LONG.  Caroline is buried in the Hopson Cemetery on Dutch Valley Rd, Grainger Co., TN

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13. JAMES C. HOPSON (RICHARD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born Abt. 1826 in Claiborne Co., TN, and died 1884 in Claiborne Co., TN. He married MARTHA "PATSY" WELLS October 24, 1844 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born Abt. 1824 in East Tennessee, and died 1894 in Claiborne Co., TN.

In 1850 James and Martha and four children lived next door to James' grandfather Harrod Hopson and his second wife, Prudence. In 1860 they were still next door. On the other side of James is Dock C. Willis age 23 and wife Mary. Joel Taylor is next, then George Rosenbalm, John Bunch age 76, Drury P. Herrell, Wesley Bullen and finally Sally Shelton age 45.

In 1848 James C. Hopson purchased land in Claiborne County from William Truce (book T page 524). This apparently is the only evidence of his middle initial.

In a letter to his daughter Dorothy dated October 7, 1951, W. F. Hopson, grandson of James, states that "dad was the baby of family, of 14 in all. I can't name all of them, some died before I can remember, some went west, never came back."

P. G. Fulkerson in his Early Settlers of Claiborne County, states that James Hopson married Patsy Wells. W. F. Hopson recorded his grandmother's name as "Pat Wells" and her dates as 1814-1894. On Thomas B. Hopson's death certificate, W. F. Hopson listed the mother as Martha Wells. The death certificate of Sally Hopson Caldwell, signed by her daughter Audrey, says father James Hopson, mother's maiden name unknown. The death certificate of John Hopson also says father James Hopson, mother's maiden name unknown.

If Patsy was born in 1814 as W. F. Hopson stated, she would have been 53 when her last child was born. Rare, but not impossible.

Some sources believe that the parents of the 19th century Claiborne Wells families were John Wells and Frances of Caswell Co., NC. John was listed on the 1800 and 1810 Caswell census; by 1820 Fanny was head of household. In 1830 she was head of household in Claiborne Co. This household included a male age 20-30 and a female 15-20. Her sons were John, Richard, Woodson and possibly Tilman. John moved to Claiborne Co. and married Nancy Smith. Their children are named in his estate settlement in 1865 - Martha Hopson is not one of them.

George married Mary Elizabeth Moses, who was born in 1820. They had a daughter Martha born 1851.

John Wells of Straight Creek is mentioned by Mary Hansard as the father of Martha Edmundson, but "this is all I know of him", she says. 1900 census has John Wells born 1830, Tennessee.

Richard Wells, b 1807, married Mariah Leabow, who was born in 1812. Their earliest recorded child is Mary age 17 in the 1850 census. There are no daughters in 1830, and only Mary in 1840.

There is a James Wells in the Claiborne tax enumeration of 1839, in the 8th dist (Cycamore) In the 1840 census James Wells has no female children.

In 1880 James Hopson and his wife Martha and family are living three houses away from Wm. Janeway and wife Suretha Wells. Mariah Leabow Wells, widow, is living with Wm. and Suretha. The neighborhood is as follows: house 10, Calaway Leabow, 11: Wm Janeway, 12: Robert Leabow, 13: James Yoakum, 14: James and Patsy Hopson, 15: John Vana (?) age 75, 16: John and Louisa Sulfridge, 17: Wm Janeway and Suretha (Wells).

Martha's handwritten name in the Claiborne County Marriage Book could be Wells, Wills or Mills. LDS microfilm #0898393 contains a handwritten index made by the WPA, and also a typed transcript of book 2 made in the same era. The handwritten index clearly says MILLS. The typed transcript says WILLS.

Children of JAMES HOPSON and MARTHA WELLS are:

__ i.  HENRY J. HOPSON, b. 1845, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Bef. 1860, Claiborne Co TN.

__ ii.  DELANA HOPSON, b. 1847, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Aft. 1892, Claiborne Co., TN; m. WILLIAM N. WEST; b. 1841, East Tenn.; d. Aft. 1880.

In his letter of Oct. 7, 1951 W. F. Hopson lists his Hopson aunts and uncles. He does not name Delana; he does list a Rachel West. There is no Rachel Hopson in this family in any of the census, nor a marriage for a Rachel Hopson and a Mr. West.

In 1880 census 8th dist., household 60, William N. West age 39 has a wife Delane age 33. They have several children including Rachel age 9. This family is not in Claiborne County in 1870; Delany Hopson is not with her parents in 1870. There is no Claiborne County marriage record for Wm. N, West or any bride named Delaney.

__ iii.  WILEY HOPSON, b. 1848, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Bef. 1860, Claiborne Co TN.

__ iv.  RICHARD HOPSON, b. 1850, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Bef. 1860, Claiborne Co TN.

__ v.  ELIZA HOPSON, b. February 28, 1852, Claiborne Co., TN; d. February 22, 1927, Plano, TX; m. (1) JACOB H. BROWN; d. Bet. 1904 - 1907, Probably Knoxville, TN; m. (2) PRYOR L. DRAPER, May 8, 1907, East Tennessee; b. 1840, East Tennessee; d. Aft. 1910.

Eliza and her oldest daughter "Fannie" were in her father's household in 1870. She and the four girls are all there in 1880, with the last name Hopson rather than Brown. Family photos taken when the daughters were young women show the four girls with Eliza and Jacob Brown.

The Knoxville city directory of 1904 lists Jacob H. Brown, adddress 1119 Folsom. In 1907 Elizabeth Brown widow of J.H. is listed on Harvey St.

Eliza's second husband Prior Draper died in 1921, and Eliza went to Texas to live with her daughter Helen. Eliza is buried in the Restland Cemetery Dallas, TX.

__ vi.  JOHN HOPSON, b. August 28, 1853, Claiborne Co., TN; d. June 28, 1923, Claiborne Co., TN; m. MAHULDA JANE BARNARD, September 23, 1875, Claiborne Co., TN; b. May 1, 1855, Claiborne Co., TN; d. March 14, 1924, East Tenn.

John's death certificate, copied from microfilm at Nashville, is nearly illegible. The death date can be read, but not the birthdate. His age 70 is legible. His father's name is listed as James Hopson. The maiden name of his mother is "not known."

__ vii.  NANCY HOPSON, b. 1855, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Bef. 1880, Claiborne Co., TN; m. WILLIAM HOUSTON GREER, August 19, 1875, Claiborne Co., TN; b. 1842; d. Bet. 1877 - 1880, Claiborne Co., TN.

Nancy and her husband appear to have died before 1880, since their small children were living with her parents at the time of the 1880 census.

Fulkerson says that Houston Greer and three of his brothers served in the Confederate Army, and that Houston died in a federal prison. Obviously not true if He and Nancy Hopson were married in 1875. It appears (see notes for Robert Greer) that Fulkerson confused some of the children of W. W. Greer with those of his oldest son Robert.

__ viii.  JAMES HOPSON, b. 1858, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Bef. 1870, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ ix.  ANNA HOPSON, b. 1859, Claiborne Co., TN; d. November 20, 1890, East Tenn.; m. JAMES BROOKS, December 16, 1875, Claiborne Co., TN; b. 1859, East Tenn.

In the 1880 Claiborne Census, 10th dist; household 4: James Brooks age 21, blacksmith. Anna age 21. Alice age 4. The other children from the Prior Draper Bible; he calls the family Brook.

"Reply-to: cen38326@centuryinter.net (Bill Brooks)
"To: Tenc@aol.com

"Hello Nancy, I have very little on your Brooks'. In the 1870 census , James age 12, is in the household of Nahaniel and Elizabeth Brooks # 09065053. Nahaniel does not appear in the 1850 census, nor prior. From other source I have: Alice Brooks b. 1876 and m. to William P. Edwards; John F. b.1881, d.1969, m. Rachel Keck; James H. [Harvey] b. 1884, d. 1959, m. Birdie(?); James Brooks . b. 1858, m. 1875 to Anna Hopson , b. abt 1859.  This is all I have but I feel like this is your family. I will watch for more information. Sincerely, Bill"

__ x.  MARTHA HOPSON, b. 1862, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Aft. 1892; m. GEORGE VANCE, 1879, Claiborne Co., TN; b. 1862, Claiborne Co TN.

__ xi.  SALLIE HOPSON, b. August 5, 1865, Claiborne Co., TN; d. November 2, 1949, Knoxville Tenn.; m. HUGH L. CALDWELL, July 6, 1900, Knox County, Tennessee; b. 1855, East Tenn.; d. 1929, Knox County TN.

Sally was a member of the Woodland Ave Primitive Baptist Church. After her husband's' death, she lived with her daughter Audrey and her husband Joe Cooper in Knoxville. Joe worked on the Southern Railroad.

Don Hopson refered to him as Amos. Edna Walker, Great granddaughter of Sally's sister Eliza, also remembered his name as Amos. His daughter Audrey had a son named Amos Eldridge and another named Hugh.

Sallie Hopson is buried in the Lynnhurst Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennesse.

__ xii.  THOMAS BRINKTOM HOPSON, b. January 4, 1867, Claiborne Co., TN; d. August 21, 1946, Knox Co TN; m. WINIFRED HAMIC, July 26, 1891, Union Co., TN; b. February 20, 1872, Union Co., TN; d. April 27, 1942, Knox Co., TN.

Thomas is said to have hated his middle name Brinktom and would tell people that the "B" stood for Benjamin. In the late 1930's the house where they were living in Lone Mountain burned down, and Thomas, Winnie and Ted moved to Knox County to live with their widowed son Fielden.

Union County marriage records show Thomas' wife's name as Winnie Hammock. Her father, William Hammock, and his three brothers from Union County, Tennessee all served in the 1st Tennessee Mounted Infantry, Union Army. They all entered the army as 'Hammock' and left it as "Hamic." Other family members have remained Hammock, Hammack, Hammac, etc.

Thomas is buried in the American Christain Church cemetery, Halls Crossroads, Tennessee. Winifred is buried in the Taylor Grove Cemetery, Union County, Tennessee

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14. EMILY HOPSON (RICHARD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born March, 1828 in Claiborne Co., TN, and died after 1900 in Probably Grainger Co., TN. She married DRURY PETER HARRELL 1849 in Claiborne Co TN. He was born about 1822 in East Tenn., and died between 1870 and 1880 in Claiborne Co., TN.

"Drewery Herrell" age 29, is in the Claiborne County 1850 census with wife "Milly". His tombstone in Hurst Cemetery, Lower Caney Valley Road, Claiborne County, says Captain; Co A 12th Tenn Cav. There are no dates on the stone.

In 1870 there is a 20 year old in the Drury Harrell household called D. P. Harrell, jr. age 20. He may not be a child of this family, since he is not listed on the 1860 census.

Children of EMILY HOPSON and DRURY HARRELL are:

__ i.  RHODA J. HARRELL, b. 1849, East Tenn; m. JAMES T. HURST, October 9, 1867, Claiborne Co., TN; b. 1846, Missouri.  On the 1900 census this family includes James H., b. January 1897, grandson. It also says that this couple has had 11 children; 10 are living.

__ ii.  WILLIAM D. HARRELL, b. 1853.

__ iii.  MARY MELISSA HARRELL, b. 1854, Claiborne Co., TN; d. February 22, 1910, Claiborne Co., TN; m. JEMY PARKER, 1877, Claiborne Co., TN.  Mary is buried in the Hurst Cemetery, Lower Caney Valley Rd., Claiborne Co., TN.

__ iv.  JACOB S HARRELL, b. 1858.

__ v.  CORDELIA HARRELL, b. 1861.

__ vi.  JASPER N HARRELL, b. 1868, Claiborne Co., TN.

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15. DANIEL HOPSON   (RICHARD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1830 in East Tennessee and died May 1, 1874 in Claiborne Co., TN. He married CATHERINE HARRELL CARTER March 16, 1853 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born October 13, 1822 in East Tennessee, and died after 1890 in Claiborne Co., TN.

Daniel paid poll tax in Claiborne County district 10 beginning in 1851, which is consistent with the 1830 birthdate.

Daniel served as a corporal in Co A, 12th Tennessee Cavalry, USA. He is buried in the Hurst Cemetery in Claiborne County. His pension certificate is # 82681, application #116859. Catherine's pension certificate is #214629, application #224741.

Daniel and his family appear in the 1860 census in Grainger County (Dist 12, page 510).

Daniel is buried in the Hurst Cemetery, Lower Caney Valley Rd., Claiborne Co., TN.

The 1850 census and the record of Catherine's marriage to J. P. Carter call her Clary. Fulkerson calls her Clarrisa when he describes her father's family, but in the description of Thornton Carter's family Fulkerson says that Josiah Carter married Catherine Harrell. The 1870 census calls her Catherine Hopson, and the 1890 Civil War Veteran's census does also. Her name in the marriage document to Daniel Hopson is recorded as C. Carter.

In 1880 Catherine is head of a household that includes her daughter Delilah (Carter), Lucinda Hopson, William, and six young grandchildren, all named Hopson. The great-great-granddaughter of Daniel and Catherine's daughter Delilah (Dillacy) says about the Carter and Hopson names:  "You really can't pay any attention to whether it [the 1880 census] says Carter or Hopson. They all considered themselves Hopsons. James F. Hopson is really James Franklin Carter, son of Dillacy. Charles B. Hopson is the son of Lieurinday, as is Ben F. Hopson. Laura Frances age 4 is my grandmother. Mary E. would be Mary Ella Carter. born Dec. 1879. The next Carter was Ada Marie, b. Sept. 8, 1883. The youngest was John Madison, b. May 5, 1885."

Children of DANIEL HOPSON and CATHERINE HARRELL CARTER are:

__ i.  LUCINDA HOPSON, b. 1856.

__ ii.  SARAH HOPSON, b. 1860.

__ iv.  WILLIAM D. HOPSON, b. November 1862, Claiborne Co., TN; d. Aft. 1900; m. MARGARET; b. June 1866.

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William Y. Hopson began paying poll tax in Claiborne County, dist 10, in 1853. He also paid tax on 150 acres of land in that year.

In August 1856, on the Sunday after the 2nd Saturday, Wm Y. Hopson was baptized at Big Springs Church in Claiborne County. In July of 1863 the Church was meeting at a school house, since their meeting house was occupied by soldiers. They charged Brother Young Hopson for leaving his family and joining the enemy of his country to subjugate the South, the vote of the Church taken and he was excluded. In July 1865, meeting at the school house at Tye Branch, the church agreed to "rescind her act relative to Bro. Wm. Y. Hopson's exclusion at our July meeting 1863 and restore him back in the same standing he was in at his exclusion."

On the second Saturday in April 1857 at their regular meeting, the Big Springs Church of Claiborne County received Julia Hopson by experience. The next day she was baptized along with Mira Hurst, by Elder Hiram Hurst.

In September, 1865 the Church, still meeting at Tye Branch, charged W. Y. Hopson and other family members with joining another church without asking for a letter of dismissal, and for "declaring an unfellowship with all southern members for their principles for taking any part in the Rebellion."

William served in the Union Army, Co. H, lst Tennessee Cav. He is buried in the Frye Cemetery, Dutch Valley Road, Grainger County. He was known as Younger, or Young.

When Younger Hopson died in 1878 Julia was left with 5 minor children. She filed for a widow's pension, claiming that her husband died of consumption that he contracted while in the army. Unfavorable reports were made in Benton Co Arkansas by Lt Ephriam Gray and especially by David Acuff (who volunteered his testimony) and the pension was initially rejected. Several family members then testified that there was bad feelings between the Hopson and Acuff families stemming from the marriage (his 3rd) of Young's father Richard Hopson to a woman described only as David Acuff's wife's sister.

Richard Hopson's (William Younger's father) second wife was Hannah Damewood Ritter, mother of Julia Ritter Hopson. It is told that Younger and Julia had agreed to support their parents - his father and her mother - but that after Hannah's death and Richard's remarriage, Richard moved away from the family farm but felt that the old bargain should hold, and that Young and Julia should support him and his new wife.

In 1880 July Ann Hopson was head of a household that included her son Jackson and his wife Malissa, and July's six younger children. She appears as a widow in the 1890 Civil War census, Grainger Co., TN, ED. 81, page 1.

Millie Harrell (Emily Hopson Harrell) is listed on the 1900 Grainger County census. Her birthdate is shown as March, 1828. She is listed as a sister-in-law and boarder in the household of Julia Hopson, born December, 1832 (along with Julia's five children: Susan; Roaddie; Hannah M.; Sarah M. and John B.).

Julia Ritter Hopson is buried in the Frye Cemetery, Dutch Valley Road, Grainger County.

Children of WILLIAM YOUNGER HOPSON and JULIA RITTER are:

__ i.  ANDREW JACKSON HOPSON, b. December 29, 1853, Grainger Co., TN; d. May 15, 1935, Grainger Co., TN m. MALISSA JANE HURST, October 29, 1879, Claiborne Co., TN; b. January 21, 1863, East Tennessee; d. November 26, 1930, Grainger Co TN.

There are two Andrew Jackson Hopsons listed in the Grainger County voter's list for 1891. One is in district 12 and one is in district 13. According to the Claiborne Progress of May 10, 1933 in a column by W. Sam Hopson titled Washburn News, this one lived in Washburn. A. J. Hopson's obituary lists two sisters, Mrs. J. E. Stapleton and Mrs. R. E. Simmons in addition to his children.

The Claiborne Progress, Washburn News of May 10, 1933 by Sam Hopson states, "Elder A. A. Hopson attended church at Davis Creek Saturday and Sunday. Mrs Rhoda Simmons of Knoxville is visiting her sister Mrs. J. N. Stapleton and her brother Mr. A. J. Hopson."

Andrew Hopson and his wife Malissa are buried in the Kitts Cemetery near Washburn in Grainger County, Tennessee.

__ ii.  JOHN B. HOPSON, b. 1861, Grainger Co., TN; d. Aft. 1880.

__ iii.  SARAH MATILDA HOPSON, b. September 2, 1866, Grainger Co., TN; d. September 23, 1902, Grainger Co., TN; m. LEE ROY SEYMOUR; b. July 7, 1849, Grainger Co., TN; d. July 18, 1925, Grainger Co TN.

__ iv.  HANNAH MINERVA HOPSON, b. July 8, 1868, Grainger Co., TN; d. after 1880.

__ v.  SUSAN PALESTINE HOPSON, b. November 17, 1870, Grainger Co., TN; d. Aft. 1880.

__ vi.  HENRY DAVID HOPSON, b. August 2, 1872, Grainger Co., TN; d. April 15, 1891, Grainger Co., TN.  Henry is buried in the Frye Cemetery, Dutch Valley Road, Grainger County.

__ vii.  RHODA ELIZABETH HOPSON, b. January 3, 1875, Grainger Co., TN; d. Aft. May 10, 193; m. MR. SIMMONS.  From the Claiborne Progress, May 10, 1933, Washburn News by W. Sam Hopson: Mrs. Rhoda Simmons of Knoxville is visiting her sister Mrs. J. N. Stapleton and her brother Mr. A. J. Hopson.

 

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17. THOMAS BRINKTOM HOPSON (RICHARD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1836 in Claiborne Co., TN, and died March 25, 1891 in Union Co., TN. He married ESTHER MARGARET STANSBURY February 14, 1856 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born 1834 in Virginia, and died between May 4, 1896 and January 7, 1897 in Union Co., TN.

T. B. Hopson, or "Brink" as he was known, served in the Union Army, Co. A, 12th Tennessee Cavalry. He is buried in the Hurst Cemetery in Claiborne County. In his application for an invalid's pension he states that his deafness occurred at Clifton, TN while under attack by the Rebels; that the infantry's guns caused the sudden loss of hearing. Certification # 546383. Esther's certification # 308344. He appears in the 1890 veterans census, Union Co TN, ed 252 pg 2

Children of THOMAS HOPSON and ESTHER STANSBURY are:

__ i.  MARY C. HOPSON, b. 1858.

__ ii.  RICHARD HOPSON, b. 1869.

__ iii.  ANICIA HOPSON, b. 1860.  May have died early - is not present in 1870 census.

__ iv.  WILLIAM S. HOPSON, b. February 1870.

__ v.  JOHN HOPSON, b. 1872.

__ vi.  THOMAS N. HOPSON, b. 1874.

__ vii.  BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOPSON, b. September 7, 1876.

__ viii.  DANIEL BOONE HOPSON, b. December 14, 1878.

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18. MARY JANE HOPSON (RICHARD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1838 in East Tennessee, and died after 1880. She married MARTIN VAN BUREN BUNCH February 7, 1856 in Claiborne Co., TN, son of JAMES BUNCH and ISABELLA TAYLOR. He was born 1837 in East Tennessee, and died after May 8, 1891.

In 1880 Martin and Mary lived next door to Martin's father James and step mother Cynthia. In 1908 a Martin Bunch, whether this one is not known, testified for Anderson Shelton in his application for a Confederate pension.

Children of MARY HOPSON and MARTIN BUNCH are:

__ i.  MALISSA JANE BUNCH, b. February 22, 1856, Claiborne Co., TN; d. March 29, 1924, Claiborne Co TN; m. HENLY HURST, June 11, 1874, Claiborne Co TN; b. June 12, 1853, Claiborne Co TN; d. August 29, 1924, Claiborne Co., TN.  Malissa Hopson Bunch  and husband Henly are buried in the Evans Cemetery, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ ii.  MILDRED M. BUNCH, b. 1858.

__ iii.  RICHARD E. BUNCH, b. October 1861, Claiborne Co., TN; m. MARTHA C. HURST, September 29, 1881, Claiborne Co., TN; b. April 1863, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ iv.  ISABELLA BUNCH, b. 1862.

__ v.  GEORGE C. BUNCH, b. December 11, 1865, Claiborne Co., TN; d. June 8, 1933, Claiborne Co., TN; m. AMANDA RITTER; b. March 18, 1866, East Tennessee; d. December 7, 1943, Claiborne Co., TN.  George was a deacon in the Salem Baptist Church.

__ vi.  JOSIAH T. BUNCH, b. 1868.

__ vii.  MARTHA BUNCH, b. 1872.

__ viii.  MARY BUNCH, b. 1872.

__ ix.  RHODA BUNCH, b. 1875.

__ x.  SARAH H. BUNCH, b. 1877.

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19. WILLIAM HOPSON (HARROD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1850 in Claiborne Co., TN, and died September 20, 1911 in Claiborne Co., TN. He married LOUISA HURST December 29, 1872 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born July 1852 in Claiborne Co., TN, and died August 14, 1919 in Claiborne Co., TN.

1880 census calls Louisa "Eliza J."

Children of WILLIAM HOPSON and LOUISA HURST are:

__ i.  ANDREW J. HOPSON, b. 1874; m. SARAH CABBAGE, December 7, 1895, Union Co., Tennessee.

__ ii.  FRANCES J. HOPSON, b. May 1876, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ iii.  NOAH HOPSON, b. May 7, 1878, Claiborne Co., TN; d. June 4, 1942, Claiborne Co., TN; m. MATILDA PILLION, 1901, Claiborne Co., TN; b. June 21, 1877; d. March 26, 1927, Claiborne Co., TN.  Noah and Matilda are buried in the Jackson Cemetery, Claiborne County, Tennessee.

__ iv.  REUBEN H. HOPSON, b. August 12, 1879, Claiborne Co., TN; d. March 20, 1956, Claiborne Co., TN; m. MARY JANE HARPER, 1900, Claiborne Co., TN; b. July 17, 1877, East Tennessee; d. September 19, 1963, Claiborne Co., TN.  Mark Treadway transcribes her as Mary Jane Hopson in his marriage index. In the 1900 census she is listed in William's household as sister-in-law, obviously should have been daughter-in-law. A grandchild of Mary Jane says that her maiden name was Harper.

__ v.  SILAS HOPSON, b. September 13, 1884, Claiborne Co., TN; d. October 30, 1963, Claiborne Co., TN; m. NANNIE; b. 1887, East Tennessee; d. Aft. 1910.  This family cannot be found in either the 1920 or the 1930 census. Silas is buried in the Hurst-Epperson Cemetery, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ vi.  ALEX HOPSON, b. October 1887, East Tennessee; d. 1957; m. EDNA SUSAN COLLIER.  Florence Hoffman calls him Alexander J. Hopson. The 1900 census calls him Elick.

__ vii.  BECKY HOPSON, b. April 1890.

__ viii.  PRIOR HOPSON, b. April 30, 1890, Claiborne Co., TN; d. April 21, 1974, Claiborne Co., TN.

OBITUARIES; June 04, 2000, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Page: B2;  LEE, ANNA LOU - age 75, of Knoxville, passed away Sat. morning at the home of her daughter. Preceded in death by husband, Eugene Lee; daughter, Wilma Pressley; son, James Carol Lee; parents, Pryor and Tennessee Hopson; brothers, Ed and Clayton Hopson; sisters, Avelee Shumate and Lagonda Sufferidge. Retired from Levis after 33 years service and member of U.G.W.A. Survivors: sons and daughters in law, Sam and Georgia Lee and Sherrod and Mary Lee all of Knoxville, Bob and Kathy Lee of Alcoa; daughter and son in law, Ann and Gary Roberts of Knoxville; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren; brother, Don Hopson of Lone Mtn., Tenn.; sister, Dorothy Hurst of Knoxville; special friend, Martha Walker from Knox County Senior Citizens. Funeral service 8 p.m. Mon. Mynatt's Chapel. Rev. A.J. Rowland and Ronnie Long officiating. Family and friends will meet at Mynatt's by 10:30 a.m. Tues. and proceed to New Gray Cemetery for interment at 11 a.m. Pallbearers: Sammy and Kenny Lee, Tony Garland, Randall Pressley, Ronnie Long and Joe Newman. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Mon. at Mynatt's.

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20. JESSE HOPSON (HARROD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1855 in Claiborne Co., TN, and died after 1900 in Claiborne Co., TN. He married (1) ELIZABETH JOHNSON April 25, 1875 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born 1850 in Virginia, and died before 1897 in Claiborne Co., TN. He married (2) MARTHA TENNESON 1897 in Claiborne Co., TN. She was born July 1848 in East Tenn., and died after 1900.

Mark Treadway in his index to marriages transcribed Martha's surname name as "Tennessee".  Martha M. Hopson was baptized at Big Springs Church on the 1st Saturday in January 1903.

Children of JESSE HOPSON and ELIZABETH JOHNSON are:

__ i.  CHARLEY HOPSON, b. April 21, 1876, Claiborne Co., TN; d. August 2, 1954, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ ii.  LEWIS HOPSON, b. April 1879, Claiborne Co., TN; d. June 22, 1924, Claiborne Co., TN; m. ALLIE DAVIS; b. August 1, 1889, Claiborne Co., TN.

Rev. R.V. Hopson, age 81, of Tazewell, was born November 26, 1920 and passed away on November 20, 2002 at Claiborne County Nursing Home. He professed faith in Christ at an early age and joined Lone HilI Baptist Church, later becoming a member of Howerton's Baptist Church where he remained a member until death. He was a veteran of WWII. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie (Smith) Hopson; daughter, Louise Howard; 2 infant twin sons; parents: Allie and Lewis Hopson; brothers: Guy, Estle, Lon Artemus, Charlie, Oscar and Robert Hopson; sisters: Rosie West and Lizzie Clement. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law: Judy Helen and Henley Reece of Bean Station; son-in- law: Robert B. Howard of Jonesville, Va.: grandchildren: Kelli Hipsher of Bean Station, Hilary Reece Martinez of Tazewell, Stacey, Dustin and Brittany Howard of Jonesville, Va.; 4 great grandchildren: several nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Friday, November 22 at Coffey Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Rev. J.C. Bull and Rev. Bruce Davis officiating. Songs by Liberty Quartet. Burial in Reece Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers: Beagle Hopper, Skip Reece, Shawn Hipsher, Ernest Martinez, Stanley Baker and Ed Johns. Coffey Funeral Home in charge.

__ iii.  GEORGE W. HOPSON, b. March 1880, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ iv.  JOHNNIE HOPSON, b. March 1883.

__ v.  AMANDA HOPSON, b. October 1885, Claiborne Co., TN; m. THOMAS HATFIELD, 1905, CLaiborne Co., TN.

An obituary dated December 1994 from Monroe County, Michigan: Lola M. Adler, daughter of Amanda Hopson and Thomas Hatfield, passed away age 86. She was preceeded in death by two brothers, Robert and Porter, and two sisters, Elizabeth Thomas and Bonnie Alvis.

__ vi.  ERMIA HOPSON, b. May 1888.

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21. JOHN HOPSON (HARROD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1857.

Child of JOHN HOPSON is:

__ i.  CHARLIE HOPSON, b. August 22, 1887, East Tennessee; d. October 28, 1961, Knox County, Tennesse; m. DONA SMITH, November 8, 1908, Union Co TN.

 

22. MARY E. HOPSON (HARROD³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born February 1862 in Claiborne Co TN, and died Aft. 1900. She married JAMES C. LAWSON January 15, 1880 in Claiborne Co., TN. He was born September 5, 1852 in East Tennessee, and died October 10, 1930 in Claiborne Co., TN.

Children of MARY HOPSON and JAMES LAWSON are:

__ i.  SAM LAWSON, b. October 1885, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ ii.  BEN LAWSON, b. August 1886, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ iii.  HUGH LAWSON, b. March 1890, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ iv.  JAMES LAWSON, b. December 1892, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ v.  HENRY LAWSON, b. March 1896, Claiborne Co., TN.

__ vi.  WILLIE LAWSON, b. December 1899, Claiborne Co., TN.

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24. MARY ANN HOPSON (WILLIAM³, HARROD², DANIEL¹) was born 1835 in East Tennessee, and died before 1873. She married (1) WILLIAM WALLACE WHITSETT November 19, 1856 in Lauderdale County, Alabama, son of ISAAC WHITSETT and ELIZABETH WILSON. He was born Abt. 1838 in Lauderdale Co., Alabama, and died about 1865 near Wright, Lauderdale Co., Alabama "Killed by a Yankee". She married (2) MR. TERRY Bet. 1860 - 1870 in Probably Lauderdale Co., Alabama.

Click here to go to THE WHITSETT FAMILY OF LAUDERDALE COUNTY

In the 1880 census, Mary's father William has a grandson 'Isuch Whitsett' age 20, living in his household. Mary Ann Terry initiated court action for the administrators of Isaac Whitsett and Philip Whitsett estates to file accounts of the two estates for the benefit of William Isaac Whitsett (her son). Philip, who was the administrator of his father's (Isaac Whitsett Sr.) estate has died. After these documents were made in November 1870 Mary Ann disappears from the records in Lauderdale County. Guardianship of her son passes from her to Joseph Whitsett and then Josiah M. Whitsett who was guardian when William Isaac turned 21 in 1880.

Confederate soldiers index and records, National Archives, Washington, DC., microfilm roll 118: William (Wallace) Whitsett, Co. E, 2nd (Robinson's) Tennessee Infantry; enlisted in Memphis, on muster rolls from 1861 to 1864, rank Sgt. [probably the rank he held at the time of his last muster].

WAR OF REBELLION, Series I, Vol. 30, Part II, pg. 540: General Orders #64 Richmond, Va. Aug. 10, 1864, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, Battle of Chickamauga Roll of Honor: Pvt. Wallace Whitsett, Co. E, Fourth Reg. of Infantry, Tennessee.

Child of MARY HOPSON and WILLIAM WHITSETT is:

__ I.   WILLIAM ISAAC WHITSETT, b. September 11, 1859, Lauderdale Co., Alabama; d. July 12, 1927, Jasper Twp., Crawford Co., Arkansas; m. FANNIE BELLE MCDANIEL, October 26, 1880, Lauderdale, Co., Alabama; b. November 1859, Mississippi; d. July 18, 1943, Detroit, Michigan.

There are numerous court records in Lauderdale County pertaining to the estate of Isaac Whitsett (grandfather of William Isaac) and the guardianship of William Isaac. By September 1870 William Isaac is the only living heir of Isaac Sr.

William Isaac Whitsett and Fannie Belle McDaniel are the great grandparents of Carolyn Sue (Whitsett) Wall.

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Sources